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We are delighted to welcome the Great Tapestry of Scotland to Stirling Castle as part of its national tour. It is officially the largest embroidered tapestry in the world and tells the story of Scotland’s history.

Edinburgh Castle scores hat-trick to win top UK Heritage Attraction for third year running

1 November 2013

Edinburgh Castle has been voted the top UK Heritage Attraction in the prestigious 2013 British Travel Awards, the largest awards programme in the UK. The announcement was made at an industry event in London on 31 October.

The iconic historic attraction was also awarded the accolade of Top UK Heritage Attraction in 2011 and 2012 and this year was the only Scottish attraction to be short-listed. It is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction and attracts more than 1.2 million visitors a year.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said: “To win this prestigious award three times in a row confirms that Edinburgh Castle’s fascinating history, dramatic location and panoramic views have an enduring appeal for visitors of all ages both in the UK and around the world.

“Situated on top of an extinct volcano, the castle also provides an unrivalled backdrop for events such as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and spectacular fireworks at the end of the Edinburgh International Festival and at Hogmanay.”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of Visit Scotland, said: “What a fantastic achievement in what has been a truly exceptional year for Edinburgh Castle. With bumper visitor figures and continued accolades from visitors and industry alike, the Castle continues to be the jewel in Scotland’s tourism crown.”

British Travel Awards’ chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton added: “This year more than one million votes were cast by consumers to determine the winners of the coveted British Travel Awards – making it the largest awards programme in the UK; to win is truly an accolade.

“The travelling public regard the British Travel Awards winners logo as the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who really are the best travel companies and Edinburgh Castle is to be congratulated on their achievement in an awards programme which garners the opinions of the nation – these finalists and winners really are the best in travel.”

Notes to editors:

Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland, inspiring our people and our visitors to celebrate Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty, landscapes and biodiversity as Scotland prepares to welcome the world in 2014 and beyond. Find out more about Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty at www.visitscotland.com/natural